[freddyfingers]

Okay, this is the last time I ever discuss a non gretsch guitar here again. I played one the other day. Surprisingly, I really liked it. Years ago, i would have stayed away, cause the necks on most gibbons were too wide/thick for me. After playing the Hotrod long enough, I guess my hands have opened up. I thought it had a great clean sound, good for jazz, if you didn't crank the amp. Also a great blues tine, it seems to sustain a bit better than my hotrod. I always viewed these as metal, or hard rock guitars, but I found them to be quite the contrary. I know its just another pointy guitar, but i was impressed.

The down side, when I went to get info on SG's, i found out they make a different one for every day of the week. They have so many different versions of SG's, its confusing to compare. Don't dare talk about rosewood necks on a gibson forum, you would be opening up a can of worms! Anyway, any one here play one? thoughts on them? No, I am not trading the hotrod for a pointy guitar, but may save up for one.

[pilgrim]

I have many SG's all cherry. The one I like best if the RI are the 1 that has chrome covers, 61 keystone tuners and a pickguard that does not extend completely under the strings. They are excellent for what they are made for. I gave my sone one and a Fender "Blackie"

[Tony65x55]

Hey Freddie, I've got a couple and they are fine guitars and certainly not just for metal. I have an Epi '61 reissue that I out fitted with some hand wound PAFs and some decent pots and it's a great guitar.

I also have a SG Raw Power, one of the dumbest named guitars ever created. it is all maple, with a maple neck and a maple fretboard and with it's stock '59 PAFs, it sounds simply fantastic. The maple makes the whole guitar a little brighter, a nice thing for us Gretschies. If you can get your hand on one, they usually don't sell that high. As well, they are perfectly balanced and don't neck dive.

[freddyfingers]

I noticed the balance as well. I am not certain, but i would guess the 61 sg weighs less than my hotrod.

[pussfeller]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

The down side, when I went to get info on SG's, i found out they make a different one for every day of the week. They have so many different versions of SG's, its confusing to compare.

This is so true. They have custom, standard, afaik the standard is the better one, and the custom is cheaper. They have a Gothic model, iirc. Who knows what else. So many other factors like country of origin, year, Epiphone or Gibson, what a mess. I suppose thats true of alot of guitars, tho.

I just want "an sg like Tony Iommi had back in the day", or "an sg like Angus Young has, you know, the really big one that makes him look tiny in that video."

[Myox77]

I have a Gibson SG Special Faded. I love the clean sound of the neck pickup, really warm sounding. I even auditioned with it for the Jazz Guitar program at my University and got in. No neck dive problems either.

[GretschGhost]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

Okay, this is the last time I ever discuss a non gretsch guitar here again. I played one the other day. Surprisingly, I really liked it. Years ago, i would have stayed away, cause the necks on most gibbons were too wide/thick for me. After playing the Hotrod long enough, I guess my hands have opened up. I thought it had a great clean sound, good for jazz, if you didn't crank the amp. Also a great blues tine, it seems to sustain a bit better than my hotrod. I always viewed these as metal, or hard rock guitars, but I found them to be quite the contrary. I know its just another pointy guitar, but i was impressed.

The down side, when I went to get info on SG's, i found out they make a different one for every day of the week. They have so many different versions of SG's, its confusing to compare. Don't dare talk about rosewood necks on a gibson forum, you would be opening up a can of worms! Anyway, any one here play one? thoughts on them? No, I am not trading the hotrod for a pointy guitar, but may save up for one.

I can answer ANY Gibson questions you have. It's my job LOL.

The '61, and any Gibson reissues, will have a neck that matches that year. In other words, in terms of playability you are looking for an SG with a '60s slip taper profile.

This guitar has '57 Classic pickups, so that kind of narrows your choices.

If you want these features and a rosewood fretboard you are looking for either the '61 RI or the Robby Krieger model (which is about $100 cheaper at GC) which is also a '61 RI but has a limited ed. cover on the switch access panel and a Gibson Vibrola.



If you want a current run SG Standard you're looking at a '50s neck (much thicker), 496/498 Neck/Bridge pickups (not '57 classics, but replaceable) and if you want one with rosewood on the fretboard, that narrows it down to a Black or Cherry.

The other option is the limited run Silverburst or Classic white which has a '61 neck profile, RW fretboard, but Burstbucker 1/2 pickups in the neck/bridge.

This would be the most affordable option, and you could switch out to '57s for less than any '61 RI. This also has coil-splitting which is a plus and you could disable it easily when you change pickups if you don't want it.

Current run SG Std with non-black or cherry finishes are made with baked maple fretboards. According to our Gibson rep this will change later in 2012.

To clarify something from an earlier post, Custom vs. Standard means Custom Shop (Memphis) which is the highest-end Gibson available and Standard means the current production standard model (USA, Nashville).

The '61 VOS, which is also a '61 RI, means "Vintage Original Spec". This is the most accurate reproduction of a 1961 SG and is made in the Custom Shop.

Your best option for all the features you're looking for is the Robby Krieger. I've put links below to all the models I've mentioned.

'61 Standard RI
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...94-i1150288.gc

SG Std, 50's neck, Baked Maple FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...31-i2172114.gc

SG Std, 50's neck, ROSEWOOD FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...12-i1149262.gc

SG Std '61 neck, RW FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...94-i1555559.gc

Robby Krieger model, '61 specs/neck with '57 classics and RW FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...c?esid=krieger

1961 VOS SG - Custom Shop
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...72-i1165396.gc

You're welcome to call me @GC to discuss if you prefer. I am our resident Gibson expert. 319-378-1720. ASK FOR THE GUITAR DM.

Hope this helps!

[freddyfingers]

Originally Posted by GCGhost

I can answer ANY Gibson questions you have. It's my job LOL.

The '61, and any Gibson reissues, will have a neck that matches that year. In other words, in terms of playability you are looking for an SG with a '60s slip taper profile.

This guitar has '57 Classic pickups, so that kind of narrows your choices.

If you want these features and a rosewood fretboard you are looking for either the '61 RI or the Robby Krieger model (which is about $100 cheaper at GC) which is also a '61 RI but has a limited ed. cover on the switch access panel and a Gibson Vibrola.



If you want a current run SG Standard you're looking at a '50s neck (much thicker), 496/498 Neck/Bridge pickups (not '57 classics, but replaceable) and if you want one with rosewood on the fretboard, that narrows it down to a Black or Cherry.

The other option is the limited run Silverburst or Classic white which has a '61 neck profile, RW fretboard, but Burstbucker 1/2 pickups in the neck/bridge.

This would be the most affordable option, and you could switch out to '57s for less than any '61 RI. This also has coil-splitting which is a plus and you could disable it easily when you change pickups if you don't want it.

Current run SG Std with non-black or cherry finishes are made with baked maple fretboards. According to our Gibson rep this will change later in 2012.

To clarify something from an earlier post, Custom vs. Standard means Custom Shop (Memphis) which is the highest-end Gibson available and Standard means the current production standard model (USA, Nashville).

The '61 VOS, which is also a '61 RI, means "Vintage Original Spec". This is the most accurate reproduction of a 1961 SG and is made in the Custom Shop.

Your best option for all the features you're looking for is the Robby Krieger. I've put links below to all the models I've mentioned.

'61 Standard RI
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...94-i1150288.gc

SG Std, 50's neck, Baked Maple FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...31-i2172114.gc

SG Std, 50's neck, ROSEWOOD FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...12-i1149262.gc

SG Std '61 neck, RW FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...94-i1555559.gc

Robby Krieger model, '61 specs/neck with '57 classics and RW FB
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...c?esid=krieger

1961 VOS SG - Custom Shop
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...72-i1165396.gc

You're welcome to call me @GC to discuss if you prefer. I am our resident Gibson expert. 319-378-1720. ASK FOR THE GUITAR DM.

Hope this helps!

I don't know what to say. That was beyond the call of duty. Thanks! You definitely knew more than the manager i spoke with in richmond. He was helpful though. I asked the difference between the sg 61 and the same one with the satin/worn finish, and he said the difference was the paint job. Which would be a 500 dollar paint job. I later discovered the difference is the paint job, but more so the baked fret board on the satin models. Either way, I am learning a lot. I am going to go back and try those two again, and see if i can live with the baked fret board, which i sure i can, and try the p90 twonsend version as well. Either way, hats off to you, you broke my mold of what to expect from a big chain!

[freddyfingers]

Also, I cant seem to find the satin version of the 61 sg, not just on your site, but most others. the regular 61 comes up, but you have to dig to find the worn/satin one.

[BBQ Boogie]

I own the '61 reissue SG in white with the p90s. Love it. The tone is really "spanky"; the neck is super slim, which is great for my small hands and it's very, very light. I play Hofner basses and really got used to not feeling much of the instrument's weight and the SG is great for that too.

I don't think you're going to go wrong with this purchase.

[freddyfingers]

I didn't know they made the 61 reissue with P90's. Its all so confusing, all the models and names and differences. Unlike Gretsch, that just makes electromatics and Pro series, and acoustics, and banjos and bass's , and amplifiers, and,,,,,, well, perhaps they are all confusing !

[GretschGhost]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

Also, I cant seem to find the satin version of the 61 sg, not just on your site, but most others. the regular 61 comes up, but you have to dig to find the worn/satin one.

This SG Special has a 60's neck. The rest are either labeled as "rounded profile" which is basically a 50's neck or ARE a 50's neck.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-...34-i2172130.gc

[GretschGhost]

Originally Posted by BBQ Boogie

I own the '61 reissue SG in white with the p90s. Love it. The tone is really "spanky"; the neck is super slim, which is great for my small hands and it's very, very light. I play Hofner basses and really got used to not feeling much of the instrument's weight and the SG is great for that too.

I don't think you're going to go wrong with this purchase.

I think you mean either a Pete Townshend or a Standard with P90's and a 60's neck.

Just to be clear: unless the actual model name includes "reissue", just having a 60's body and neck doesn't make it a reissue.

[freddyfingers]

As it gets clearer, it gets foggier. This is the worn finish one i was referring too. According to Gibson, the fretboard is baked, and the finish is different, other than that, its a 61 reissue for 500 less.


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...FUOo4Aod_z1iUg

[The Marlin]

I've had loads of SG's over the years. By far the best SG I've ever played is a Gretsch G Love Corvette. It's an SG with a Gretsch bade on it, and it kicks ass!!!

[freddyfingers]

I have wanted to play a corvette forever. Two weeks ago I went to a place that has a big gretsch selection. They wouldn't let me play the pro series gretsch's unless I was join got buy one, thats a story for another posting, but i did finally play a gretsch. Not a G love, just the standard. The set up was poor. The strings were old. but had that not been the case, i might have played it longer. I have heard nothing but good things about them. The guy in the store had no interest in adjusting the bridge, or letting me do it, so back on the wall it went. Funny how a bad set up can turn you away from something that might have been a keeper. And its not like the guy was busy. It was me and him. One day i will play a decent one, and I bet i will be converted as well.

[telespank]

SG's do have problems with "neck diving" (not all, but some do). When you find one you like, try it with a strap. An SG will feel like a toy after slinging your Hot Rod.

[freddyfingers]

Originally Posted by telespank

SG's do have problems with "neck diving" (not all, but some do). When you find one you like, try it with a strap. An SG will feel like a toy after slinging your Hot Rod.

I believe you. When i tried them out, I was sitting. The next time, when I get close to the selection and purchase, I will bring a strap, and if they don't have my amp in the store, my amp. No reason to make guess's about the sound at this point in my life. I always though hollow bodies would be lighter by nature. My eastwood is light,and the hotrod feels like a piece of lead compared to it. Not sure if its age, but I am looking into lighter guitars. The Sg seems to fit that bill.

[telespank]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

I believe you. When i tried them out, I was sitting. The next time, when I get close to the selection and purchase, I will bring a strap, and if they don't have my amp in the store, my amp. No reason to make guess's about the sound at this point in my life. I always though hollow bodies would be lighter by nature. My eastwood is light,and the hotrod feels like a piece of lead compared to it. Not sure if its age, but I am looking into lighter guitars. The Sg seems to fit that bill.

I know what you mean about light guitars. SG's are light, and very cool looking. I can see why you are gassing for one.

[GretschGhost]

Originally Posted by freddyfingers

As it gets clearer, it gets foggier. This is the worn finish one i was referring too. According to Gibson, the fretboard is baked, and the finish is different, other than that, its a 61 reissue for 500 less.


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...FUOo4Aod_z1iUg

I can clarify the discrepancy.

The Gibson site currently says "Baked Maple" for the fretboard, but the original spec was for rosewood.

What this means is that because MF & GC copy the specs from Gibson, and the original spec was RW, we simply haven't changed it.

The Gibson site is accurate about 95% of the time.


This guitar is being made with Baked Maple fretboard. It's possible it may be one of the models to go back to RW, but this wouldn't happen until at least much later in 2012 (per our Gibson rep).

I think this is your best bang for the buck, as it has the correct specs for what you want and includes a hardshell case.

However, if the Robby Krieger isn't outside your price range ($1899) it's going to have the gloss finish, RW fretboard and be far better for resale value.

Hope this helps clarify.

**edit**

As as example, the Gibson '60s LP Studio Deluxe says that it is equipped with Baked Maple on the Gibson site (which it is, but was actually RW until the end of 2011 - I know because I owned one :
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Elec...Exclusive.aspx

But on our site it says RW (click on "Specification"):
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gibson-L...20-i1476659.gc